Waikato University - Student Counselling and Mental Health Services

Mental Health Services

Programme Areas

Crisis / acute, Mental health, Addictions - drug & alcohol

Programme Type

Community / social support (AOD), Intake / assessment, Community based support - mental health

Regions

Waikato

Age Groups

Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke

Referral Types

Self referral

Referral Process

• Provide support to students who are experiencing a new Mental Health concern or have a diagnosed Mental Health challenge.
• Students can make an appointment either in person at the Student Health Centre reception or via telephone by calling Student Health on (07) 838 4037
• Staff at the University of Waikato are able to support students in accessing the service and will be able to complete a referral form in partnership with students. This means the mental health nurse will then make contact with the student to discuss concerns, and needs and to make a time to meet face-to-face.
• We have appointments available that you can book at a time that suits you OR if it is a more urgent Mental Health need or cannot wait, please let our front desk staff know as we are able to provide same-day support.

This service is for current students at Waikato University.

Description

The University of Waikato mental health service is provided by a mental health nurse. The nurse supports students with a range of mental health needs (you do NOT need a mental health diagnosis to access this service).

Able to support with the following (but is not limited to):

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Acute distress
• Psychosis/schizophrenia
• Mood disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Drug and alcohol concerns
• Self-harm
• Suicidal thoughts

The initial appointment will be a conversation regarding you and what has brought you in. This allows a comprehensive and holistic assessment to occur. This will support in resolving concerns, symptom management, wellness and recovery.

A range of interventions can be provided and will vary case-by-case, but may include:

• Education
• Connection with online tools and phone applications
• Support with connection/referral to appropriate internal and external resources
• Liaison with existing mental health input (keyworkers etc)
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Practical tools and advice
• Development of effective coping strategies
• Development of self-care strategies and routines
• Treatment support and follow-up
• Safety planning

Additional information:

• You can access this service even if you are already receiving mental health support from a different provider
• This service is available to those with or without a pre-existing mental health condition
• This service is free to all students enrolled at the University of Waikato
• There is no limit on sessions, however when we meet we will devise a follow-up plan that is appropriate for your individual needs
• You are welcome to bring a support person to any appointments

The mental health nurses are readily available to provide same-day support in crisis situations. This includes:

• Students that pose a risk of harm to self and/or suicide
• Students that pose a risk to others due to mental health concerns
• If a student has deterioration of a pre-existing mental health condition

For additional crisis or out of hours support (5:00pm-8:30am) please contact the Waikato crisis team on 0800 50 50 50.

In an emergency please contact 111.

Need to talk? 1737 (free 24/7 counselling phone line, available to call or text)